Comparisons of Precision Planter Seeding Rate Based on Meter Drive Type

Abstract. This experiment compared seeding rates with a precision corn planter using both a traditional mechanical ground drive and an independent drive system. The study was conducted as a full factorial design with factors of planting speed (4, 6, and 8 km h-1), planter tire inflation pressure (205, 275, and 345 kPa), tillage type (no-till and conventional tillage) and planter meter drive type (mechanical ground-contact and independent electrical over hydraulic speed control). For the mechanical ground drive, seeding rate increased with both tire inflation pressure (7.7% overall increase in seeding rate between 205 kPa and 345 kPa) and planting speed (6.3% increase in seeding rate between 4 and 8 km h-1). For the independent drive, tire inflation pressure caused a more modest 4.3% increase in no-till conditions, but inflation pressure had no effect in conventionally tilled ground. Producers, especially those using traditional mechanical ground drives, should ensure consistent planter operating conditions as small issues like slowly leaking tires or changing planting speed (but staying within the suggested operating range) can cause errors in previously calibrated seeding rates.